{"id":1160,"date":"2025-06-08T17:03:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-08T17:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=1160"},"modified":"2025-06-09T16:24:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T16:24:31","slug":"mercedes-mone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/mercedes-mone\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes Mon\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"164\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mercedes-Mone.png\" alt=\"Mercedes Mon\u00e9\" class=\"wp-image-1161\" style=\"width:266px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mercedes-Mone.png 164w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mercedes-Mone-150x154.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mercedes-Mone-50x51.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mercedes-Mone-100x102.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mercedes Mon\u00e9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lists:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-131-top-10-wrestlers-of-2025-so-far-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-130-the-best-finishing-moves-in-wrestling-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-44-the-best-wrestling-champion-in-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Wrestling Champion In History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Real Name:<\/strong> Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado<br><strong>Ring Names:<\/strong> Mercedes Mon\u00e9 (AEW\/NJPW), Sasha Banks (WWE), Mercedes KV (Indies)<br><strong>Date of Birth:<\/strong> January 26, 1992<br><strong>Place of Birth:<\/strong> Fairfield, California, USA<br><strong>Height:<\/strong> 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)<br><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 115 lbs (52 kg)<br><strong>Billed From:<\/strong> Boston, Massachusetts<br><strong>Debut:<\/strong> 2010<br><strong>Current Promotion:<\/strong> All Elite Wrestling (AEW) \/ Former NJPW \/ WWE<br><strong>Finisher(s):<\/strong> Mon\u00e9 Maker (Gory neckbreaker), Bank Statement (WWE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Promotion<\/th><th>Accomplishments<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>WWE<\/strong><\/td><td>5\u00d7 Raw Women\u2019s Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>1\u00d7 SmackDown Women\u2019s Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>3\u00d7 WWE Women\u2019s Tag Team Champion (with Bayley, Naomi)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>1\u00d7 NXT Women\u2019s Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>1st-ever Women&#8217;s Tag Team Champions (with Bayley)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>1st Black woman to headline WrestleMania (WrestleMania 37)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>NJPW<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u00d7 IWGP Women\u2019s Champion<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>Winner \u2013 NJPW Battle in the Valley (2023)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>AEW<\/strong><\/td><td>Debuted in 2024, signed as one of AEW\u2019s top women\u2019s division stars<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>Competed for TBS and AEW Women\u2019s titles<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Persona &amp; Gimmick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes Mon\u00e9\u2019s persona has evolved from the <strong>\u201cLegit Boss\u201d<\/strong> in WWE to the <strong>\u201cCEO of Women\u2019s Wrestling\u201d<\/strong> in NJPW and AEW. She\u2019s a trailblazer, fashion-forward icon, and proud advocate for equality and creative freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key traits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fearless and fiercely independent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confident, money-minded ring general (Mon\u00e9 = \u201cmoney\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glamorous entrance attire and futuristic style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blends mainstream fame with elite wrestling ability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passionate about wrestling as both sport and art<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-Ring Style<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes Mon\u00e9 is known for her <strong>technical precision<\/strong>, <strong>athleticism<\/strong>, and <strong>storytelling psychology<\/strong>. Her matches combine high spots, submissions, and intense emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In-ring trademarks:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mon\u00e9 Maker<\/strong> \u2013 innovative neckbreaker from fireman\u2019s carry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bank Statement<\/strong> \u2013 crossface + backstabber combo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meteora (flying double knees), suicide dives, tilt-a-whirl counters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exceptional chemistry with top talents (Bayley, Charlotte, Kairi, Mayu Iwatani)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She blends Japanese strong style with American showmanship\u2014often compared to Eddie Guerrero, her idol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mic Skills &amp; Charisma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes speaks with <strong>purpose and poise<\/strong>, often using her promos to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assert her status as a main-event talent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address real-life moments (creative control, industry equality)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuse character with authenticity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her confidence, presence, and emotional delivery have helped her stand out in multiple promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early Career &amp; WWE Rise (2010\u20132022)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trained at Chaotic Wrestling as <strong>Mercedes KV<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signed to WWE in 2012; rebranded as <strong>Sasha Banks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Member of WWE\u2019s <strong>Four Horsewomen<\/strong> with Bayley, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NXT Women\u2019s Title reign led to one of the greatest matches in WWE history:<br><em>Sasha Banks vs. Bayley \u2013 NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn (2015)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WWE Main Roster Breakthrough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Debuted on RAW in 2015 during the \u201cWomen\u2019s Evolution\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Became a multiple-time Women\u2019s Champion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formed Team B.A.D., The Boss \u2018n\u2019 Hug Connection, and a high-profile tag team with Naomi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><strong>WrestleMania 37 Main Event<\/strong><\/em>: Sasha vs. Bianca Belair \u2013 first time two Black women headlined WrestleMania<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walked out of WWE in 2022 over creative differences with Naomi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NJPW &amp; Stardom (2023)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rebranded as <strong>Mercedes Mon\u00e9<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debuted at <em>Wrestle Kingdom 17<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defeated KAIRI to become <strong>IWGP Women\u2019s Champion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrestled Mayu Iwatani and others in high-profile Stardom matches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AEW (2024\u2013Present)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Signed with <strong>All Elite Wrestling<\/strong> in early 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently one of the top female stars in AEW\u2019s women\u2019s division<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Featured in main events, major PPVs like <em>Double or Nothing<\/em>, <em>Revolution<\/em>, and <em>All In London<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Factions: Has aligned with and feuded against top AEW names (Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale, Julia Hart)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notable Matches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bayley<\/strong> \u2013 <em>NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 2015<\/em> (historic match)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bianca Belair<\/strong> \u2013 <em>WrestleMania 37<\/em> (WM main event)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Charlotte Flair<\/strong> \u2013 <em>Hell in a Cell 2016<\/em> (1st ever women\u2019s HIAC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>KAIRI<\/strong> \u2013 <em>Battle in the Valley 2023<\/em> (IWGP Title win)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayu Iwatani<\/strong> \u2013 <em>Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Willow Nightingale<\/strong> \u2013 AEW feud over TBS\/AEW Women\u2019s Title<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Media Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Twitter\/X:<\/strong> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mercedesvarnado\">@MercedesVarnado<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Instagram:<\/strong> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/mercedesmone\">@mercedesmone<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TikTok:<\/strong> Active with training, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for fashion-forward content and travel vlogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actress credits: Appeared as <strong>Koska Reeves<\/strong> in <em>The Mandalorian<\/em> (Disney+)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fun Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cousin of rapper <strong>Snoop Dogg<\/strong>, who helped craft her original WWE theme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspired by Eddie Guerrero; wears tribute gear often<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Starred in <em>The Mandalorian<\/em> \u2013 one of the first wrestlers to cross into <em>Star Wars<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocated for better representation and treatment of women in wrestling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avid anime and gaming fan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suggested Fan Ranking Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best Female Wrestlers of the 2010s &amp; 2020s<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Top Cross-Promotion Stars (WWE, NJPW, AEW)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best WrestleMania Women\u2019s Matches<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Most Stylish Wrestlers in the World<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Top 10 IWGP Women\u2019s Title Matches<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrestlers Who Redefined Their Careers After WWE<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legacy &amp; Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes Mon\u00e9 has proven she is <strong>more than just a wrestler<\/strong>\u2014she\u2019s a global brand, creative visionary, and symbol of empowerment. She left WWE at the peak of her popularity to bet on herself\u2014and succeeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;I\u2019m not just a boss anymore\u2014I\u2019m the CEO of this whole damn industry.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With AEW continuing to grow and women\u2019s wrestling more global than ever, Mercedes Mon\u00e9 is set to lead the next generation\u2014on her terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists: Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far) The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History The Best Wrestling Champion In History Real Name: Mercedes Justine Kaestner-VarnadoRing Names: Mercedes Mon\u00e9 (AEW\/NJPW), Sasha Banks (WWE), Mercedes KV (Indies)Date of Birth: January 26, 1992Place of Birth: Fairfield, California, USAHeight: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)Weight: 115 lbs (52 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestlers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1160"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1258,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1160\/revisions\/1258"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}